Cookie Policy
We believe in transparency. Here's exactly what we store in your browser, why, and how you can control it.
Contents
Cookie Status
2. How TechForDev Uses Cookies & Storage
Our Approach
TechForDev takes a privacy-first approach to cookies. We use the absolute minimum — only what's needed to give you a good experience. We do NOT use advertising cookies, tracking pixels, or cross-site tracking technologies. Everything we store is either essential to platform functionality or helps us understand aggregate (anonymized) usage patterns.
No Third-Party Advertising Cookies
TechForDev does not run advertising networks and does not allow third-party advertising cookies on the Platform. You will never see cookies from Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, or similar ad networks on TechForDev.
3. Types of Storage We Use
Essential / Functional
Required for the Platform to function correctly.
| Name | Purpose | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| techfordev-theme | Remembers your dark/light mode preference | Persistent (localStorage) | localStorage |
| techfordev-bookmarks | Stores your saved/bookmarked items | Persistent (localStorage) | localStorage |
| techfordev-language | Remembers your selected language | Persistent (localStorage) | localStorage |
| techfordev-history | Tracks recently viewed items for better navigation | Persistent (localStorage) | localStorage |
Analytics
Help us understand how visitors use the Platform so we can improve it.
| Name | Purpose | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| va_* | Vercel Analytics — anonymized page view statistics | Session | Cookie |
| __vercel_live_token | Vercel deployment tracking (dev only) | Session | Cookie |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Vercel Analytics
Our hosting provider Vercel may set minimal analytics cookies to track aggregate page views and performance metrics. These are anonymized and do not identify individual users. Vercel's analytics are designed to be privacy-friendly and GDPR compliant.
Embedded YouTube Videos
When you watch videos embedded from YouTube on TechForDev's video detail pages, YouTube may set cookies on your device according to YouTube's (Google's) cookie and privacy policies. These cookies are set by YouTube's embed player, not by TechForDev. You can avoid these cookies by watching videos directly on YouTube.
External API Content
TechForDev fetches content from third-party APIs (GNews, Dev.to, GitHub, etc.) server-side. These requests happen on our servers, not your browser, so no third-party API cookies are set on your device during normal Platform use.
5. Your Control Over Cookies
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies, accept only certain cookies, or notify you when a cookie is being set. However, blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of TechForDev (e.g., your theme preference won't be saved).
Do Not Track
TechForDev respects the 'Do Not Track' (DNT) browser signal. When DNT is enabled, we disable any non-essential analytics tracking for your session.
Opt-Out of Analytics
To opt out of Vercel Analytics, you can install a browser content blocker or enable DNT. For YouTube cookies on video pages, you can use a browser extension like uBlock Origin or watch videos directly on YouTube to avoid embed cookies.
6. How to Delete / Clear Storage
Clear TechForDev LocalStorage
To remove all data TechForDev has stored in your browser: Open DevTools (F12) → Application tab → Local Storage → select the TechForDev domain → click 'Clear All'. This will reset your theme, bookmarks, language preference, and reading history.
Clear Browser Cookies
To clear all cookies for TechForDev: In Chrome/Edge, go to Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → Cookies. In Firefox, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear Data. In Safari, go to Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data.
Browser-Specific Instructions
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy & Security → Third-party cookies → Block all
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection → Strict
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Prevent cross-site tracking
- Edge: Settings → Privacy → Tracking prevention → Strict
- Brave: Shields → Block Cookies → Block all cookies
7. What We Don't Do
Our Commitments
- We do not use advertising or retargeting cookies
- We do not use tracking pixels or web beacons for ad targeting
- We do not share cookie data with advertisers
- We do not fingerprint your browser or device
- We do not track you across other websites
- We do not sell data derived from cookies
- We do not use cookies to build personal profiles for commercial use